By Emma Farge and Olivia Le Poidevin
GENEVA, July 23 (Reuters) — United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk is encountering resistance from key member states regarding his potential reappointment for a second term, according to diplomatic sources familiar with ongoing discussions.
Turk, an Austrian legal expert with extensive experience across various UN agencies including assignments in Geneva and Kosovo, is set to conclude his initial four-year mandate in October. His tenure has been marked by vocal criticism of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Secretary-General António Guterres formally nominated Turk for another term extending through 2030, as outlined in internal UN documentation. However, both Russia and Israel have reportedly expressed opposition to this renewal, while the United States has voiced reservations—transforming what was initially anticipated to be a smooth reappointment into a more complex decision ahead of Friday’s vote.
Some diplomats suggest deferring the decision until after Guterres’ departure in December, allowing his successor to shape leadership choices moving forward. “It should be left to the next Secretary-General,” one envoy noted.
Russia and Israel’s missions did not respond promptly to requests for comment. Similarly, the U.S. State Department did not offer immediate feedback when approached.
In response to inquiries about his reappointment earlier this week, Turk’s spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan declined to provide specifics but stated, “I believe the High Commissioner is ready to serve.”
DEFENDER OF FREEDOMS
Established in 1993, the role of the High Commissioner for Human Rights carries significant weight in addressing global rights concerns amid rising authoritarianism and democratic erosion worldwide. Contrary to early expectations that Turk might take a more reserved stance, he has consistently challenged governments on pressing issues.
His critiques include condemnation of Russia’s alleged breaches of international humanitarian law since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine—claims Moscow denies. He has also advocated for inquiries into migrant deaths during U.S. immigration enforcement and criticized escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. The U.S. maintains it upholds appropriate standards within its custody systems.
Turk further denounced Israel’s actions in Gaza as constituting “mass killing,” though some within his own team have urged stronger language, including references to genocide—an accusation Israel firmly rejects.
Neither Russia, Israel, nor the U.S. responded directly when asked whether their stance on Turk’s reappointment relates to his public criticisms of their policies.
AFRICAN SUPPORT
Diplomatic sources indicate that Guterres has engaged in prolonged consultations with member states aimed at securing broad consensus. Despite recent pushback, Turk retains strong support among European nations and several Latin American countries. An African Union diplomatic note reviewed by Reuters expressed no objections to his proposed reappointment.
No alternative candidates are currently under consideration for the position.
“The Secretary-General is acting in accordance with established procedures,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric during a briefing in New York. “He has great appreciation for the work done by Volker Turk during his current term.”
(Reporting by Emma Farge; Additional reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)